Stories at a Distance

About

Stories at a Distance is STNM’s response to COVID-19 restrictions, providing an opportunity for both Featured Tellers and Open Mic-ers to tell true personal stories, traditional or folk stories, spoken word, poems, or songs on a monthly theme. Audience members are invited to reflect on each story – what touched or resonated with them.

Storytellers of New Mexico is committed to supporting Black Lives Matter and to uplifting the voices of those who may not always be heard. To this end, Stories at a Distance is committed to featuring social justice stories and themes to the extent possible. We are also committed to providing a non-discriminatory and welcoming environment for all. STNM provides guidelines to tellers, but does not dictate story choices. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive storytelling experience for all.

Featured Tellers are recruited ahead of time and are provided with story crafting support and a rehearsal before the slam.

Open Mic Tellers can prep their story beforehand or spontaneously put their name in the hat during the event for a chance to tell their 5-minute true story on that month’s theme.

event details

Where:

Zoom! New links are posted monthly. Check the STNM calendar or Facebook event for details.

Upcoming Themes:

As of June 2020, themes focus on issues of social justice. Please see our events calendar or Facebook page for this month’s theme.

When:

Every 4th Tuesday of the month during COVID.

Want to tell?

Pitch your featured or open-mic story to us at: info@storytellersofnewmexico.org with the subject line: Stories at a Distance. We’ll get back to you soon!

Basic zoom ETIQUETTE TIPS!

• Try to avoid sitting in a place with strong light behind you

• Position your camera so it is stationary and shows your full face

• Eliminate/minimize background noise

• Mute yourself when you are not speaking

• You may rename yourself using your name and pronouns on the participant drop down list

• Sit close to the microphone on your device so you can be heard clearly – maybe prop a pillow behind you to reduce body movement

• Speak more slowly and clearly than when face-to-face in person

• Turn off video if you are leaving the room or need to move around

• Zoom participation can be tiring. Please be mindful of length of sharing time when giving feedback.

Storytelling guidelines:

Personal Stories:
- True Story
- Your Story
- No props or music
All Stories:
- No notes
- No -isms will be tolerated
- Storytelling, not stand-up
- Storytelling, not therapy
- Stay within the time limit

…more details on guidelines

STORY CREATION TIPS

Are you nervous about creating a personal tale? Here are a few simple “tips to help you tell the story you want to tell.”

• STORY OPENING: The story opening gives us the setting, the time, place & characters.

• PROBLEM/CONFLICT: What is the central problem or conflict in the story? What is the Most Important Thing?

• CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: What makes your character tick? Thoughts/feelings and motivations of your character(s)

• STORY EVENTS: Events lead up to the high point – the climax or high point of the story.

• PLOT RESOLUTION: How does the story unfold? The character(s) gain new insights from the events – show how they change and grow.

• THE END! Craft a last sentence that ties it all together – it may wrap back to the beginning – but brings the listener to a new place as well.

*Tips drawn from a workshop with former STNM board member and storyteller extraordinaire, Margaret Edmundson.